The chief did not name the man, but said his family had asked police to check on his well-being. He refused to come out, however, Zimmerman said.

Initial reports indicated the man had barricaded himself inside the house. Authorities at first believed the man possibly had weapons and gasoline but later said that the man had not been a danger to the immediate area.

Zimmerman said the man had threatened to harm himself and police were concerned about his safety. Authorities made contact with the man and were still negotiating with him over the phone, trying to convince him to come out.

“I think it’s important for the community to know that there’s no one else inside the house, and police have control of the situation,” Zimmerman said.

That included keeping residents inside their homes while talks continued. Lawrence Jones, a Columbia Avenue resident, said his home received a call several hours before 6 p.m. instructing them to stay inside the home while police handled the incident.

The suspect eventually surrendered to police after 5 hours.

The man was transported to the crisis unit of Kennedy Hospital, Washington Township, according to the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s office. A decision on whether charges will be filed is pending.

Assisting in the incident were the Gloucester County Emergency Response Team, the Pitman Fire Department and officers of the New Jersey State Police.

The American Red Cross South Jersey Chapter responded around 7 p.m. Tuesday to provide canteen services for emergency personnel on the scene.